Who Is Pappu Mallik? Odisha’s Most Wanted Criminal Finally Nabbed After Dramatic Gunfight In Bhadrak

Bhadrak, June 11: A dramatic early-morning police operation in Odisha’s Bhadrak district ended with the arrest of notorious criminal Prafulla Mallik alias Pappu Mallik, a man wanted in more than 20 criminal cases across the state. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire between police and the accused, has become one of the most talked-about crime stories in Odisha today.

The arrest of Pappu Mallik marks a significant breakthrough for Odisha Police, which had been tracking the alleged criminal for a long time. Known to law enforcement agencies across Bhadrak and neighboring districts, Mallik had reportedly become a familiar name in several serious criminal investigations.

The encounter-style operation has generated widespread public interest, with many people asking the same question: Who is Pappu Mallik, and why was Odisha Police searching for him?

Who Is Pappu Mallik?

Prafulla Mallik, popularly known as Pappu Mallik, is an alleged criminal from Bhadrak district who was reportedly involved in numerous criminal activities over the years.

According to police records, Mallik was wanted in around 22 to 25 criminal cases, including allegations related to robbery, extortion, criminal intimidation, and other serious offences. Investigators believe he had managed to evade arrest on multiple occasions despite being on the radar of law enforcement agencies.

His name frequently surfaced during investigations involving organized criminal activities in parts of northern Odisha, making him one of the most wanted accused persons in the region.

The latest police operation has finally brought an end to his run from the law.

How Did Odisha Police Catch Pappu Mallik?

According to official information, police received intelligence inputs that Pappu Mallik and one of his associates were hiding in a forested area near Nuasahi under Bhadrak Rural Police Station limits.

Acting on the tip-off, a special police team launched a late-night raid in the area. The operation reportedly began during the early hours of Thursday when officers moved in to apprehend the suspects.

However, what was expected to be a routine arrest operation soon turned into a tense confrontation.

Dramatic Gunfight In Bhadrak Forest

Police officials stated that when the team attempted to intercept the accused, Pappu Mallik allegedly opened fire on the officers.

Reports indicate that at least two rounds were fired toward the police team, forcing officers to take defensive action.

In response, police returned fire during the encounter. During the exchange, one bullet reportedly struck Pappu Mallik in the right leg, leaving him injured and unable to escape.

The gunfight ended with police successfully overpowering and arresting the accused.

The operation has drawn significant attention because of the intensity of the confrontation and the high-profile nature of the accused.

Three Police Personnel Also Injured

While Pappu Mallik sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter, police sources said that three personnel also suffered minor injuries during the operation.

Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

Following his arrest, Mallik was first shifted to a hospital in Bhadrak for medical treatment before being referred to a higher medical facility in Cuttack for further care.

Authorities have confirmed that he remains under police custody while treatment continues.

Weapons Recovered During The Operation

Police reportedly recovered a firearm and ammunition from the encounter site.

The seizure is expected to play an important role in the ongoing investigation as officers attempt to establish whether the weapon was used in previous criminal incidents.

Forensic examination of the seized materials may provide additional leads in pending cases linked to the accused.

Associate Escapes, Search Operation Continues

While Odisha Police succeeded in arresting Pappu Mallik, the operation was not entirely over.

According to reports, one of his associates managed to escape during the chaos created by the exchange of gunfire.

Police teams have launched a search operation to trace and apprehend the absconding suspect.

Additional raids and surveillance activities are expected in the coming days as investigators attempt to dismantle any remaining criminal network associated with the accused.

Why This Arrest Matters

The arrest of Pappu Mallik is being viewed as a major success for Odisha Police because of the accused’s alleged involvement in multiple criminal cases spread across different districts.

Law enforcement officials believe the arrest could help solve several pending investigations and provide fresh leads into organized criminal activities operating in the region.

The operation also sends a strong message regarding police efforts to crack down on repeat offenders and wanted criminals.

Residents of Bhadrak and nearby districts have welcomed the development, with many expressing hope that the arrest will improve law and order in the area.

Public Reaction On Social Media

The encounter and arrest quickly became one of Odisha’s most discussed crime stories, with social media platforms witnessing widespread reactions from users.

Many praised the police for carrying out the operation successfully, while others expressed concern about the growing challenge posed by repeat offenders and organized criminal groups.

The incident has also renewed discussions about crime prevention, policing strategies, and public safety in several districts of Odisha.

What Happens Next?

With Pappu Mallik now in custody, investigators are expected to intensify questioning regarding his alleged involvement in multiple criminal cases.

Police are also likely to examine his connections, financial activities, and possible associates operating across Bhadrak and neighboring districts.

Further developments are expected once the accused recovers from his injuries and formal interrogation begins.

For now, the arrest of one of Odisha’s most wanted criminals after a dramatic gunfight has become a major law-and-order story, drawing attention from across the state and placing Bhadrak at the center of Odisha’s biggest crime headline of the day.